3.0 Joel introduced the topic of the special meeting: consideration
of the draft of the "Resolution of the Faculty Senate of Western
Oregon University" regarding the current PEBB situation. Carol
Harding distributed this draft. Marion Schrock then discussed the
history and current situation. Key points:
- Current PEBB benefits are good through 2000
- After this point, PEBB maintains that it will withdraw non-HMO
plans and opt-out cash back. Perceived problems with this
proposal include insurance cover during sabbaticals (HMO plans
cover 90 days only) and the loss of opt-out cash, which comprise,
in many faculty lives, appreciated and/or substantial salary.
- OUS must make its intentions to withdraw from PEBB by 1/1/00;
OSU and U of O Faculty Senates have put forth resolutions to do
so (Joel has distributed these via email previously).
- A statement to withdraw could result in a few potential scenarios:
(a) PEBB may withdraw its plans and willingly create a faculty-
specific program; (b) PEBB may not agree and OUS may seek
new coverage. PEBB decisions/contracts will be made at the end
of March, 2000.
- It is unclear how the Governor/Chancellor's Office will respond to
this problem given other PEBB issues in the state; concerns
about "political vengeance" given higher education budgets have
been raised. However, Marion reported that the Governor's office
listened carefully to the OUS issues during a recent presentation, a
potential good sign.
- The previously presented notion (1997 data) that faculty are a
"healthy" group of individuals who cost less to maintain (in terms of
insurance, that is) was not born out in the 1999 data. Reasons for
this, such as aging faculty and stress, were discussed.
- Given this discussion, we read the resolution draft. It was
suggested and approved that one item be changed (the statement
"Faculty ...represent a relatively low-cost pool..." was changed to
"Faculty... historically represent..."
- We approved the resolution. Joel will send the resolution to OUS
and the Governor.